McGrath A231 Slimline Digital Smart Lock - 5-in-1 Access, Ultra-Slim 31mm Body, Hinged Doors
At A Glance
At A Glance
DISPATCHSame Day Before 11am
PIN Code
Fingerprint
RFID Card / Fob
Bluetooth App
Wi-Fi via Gateway
Mechanical Key
FaceNot Available
PalmNot Available
The McGrath A231 Slimline Digital Smart Lock is the narrowest lock in the McGrath Locks range - a 31mm-wide body built for the tight stiles of narrow-frame aluminium hinged doors, and equally at home on a timber door between 28mm and 55mm thick. It gives you five ways in: a backlit PIN keypad, MIFARE RFID cards and fobs, a fingerprint reader, Bluetooth eKeys through the McGrath Locks App, and a mechanical key override in the Euro cylinder. The lock body is supplied with a McGrath 85 Series Euro mortice (85mm pitch) and comes in a lever or a hexagonal knob handle configuration, in Matt Black or Silver.
Out of the box the A231 works over Bluetooth whenever your phone is within range, with no internet needed at the door - the difference between a smart lock and a connected one is worth understanding before you decide on a gateway. Add a McGrath G5, G4 or G3 gateway (sold separately) and you can lock, unlock, issue codes and read the activity log from anywhere - what a gateway actually does and which McGrath gateway suits which property are both covered in our guides. The app runs on the TTLock platform under McGrath branding, so it also works with TTRenting and TTHotel for short-stay and hotel-style access.
This listing is the hinged-door A231, supplied with a 28mm-backset swing mortice. For sliding doors McGrath makes a separate A231 with hook bolt using the same 31mm body. It sits between the 36mm McGrath A236 and the wider McGrath A210 in the slimline family - the comparison table below shows where each fits. Before you order, measure the stile width, the backset and the door thickness - how to measure a backset takes two minutes and saves a return.
Estimated Dispatch
Usually ships same day if ordered before 11am AEST (excludes weekends and Queensland public holidays).
Usually ships same day if ordered before 11am AEST (excludes weekends and Queensland public holidays).
Looking for other slim-style smart locks? 
At 31mm the A231 is the slimmest McGrath body, but it is not the only narrow-stile option we stock. Within McGrath there is the 36mm A236, the A210 and its back-to-back A210 Double-Sided. Across other brands the multipoint Lockwood Latitude Slim and Yale Unity Slim, the Vault Eclipse and the face-recognition Vault Alpha all suit aluminium doors. Check the stile width first.
View all slim-style smart locks for narrow frame doors
At 31mm the A231 is the slimmest McGrath body, but it is not the only narrow-stile option we stock. Within McGrath there is the 36mm A236, the A210 and its back-to-back A210 Double-Sided. Across other brands the multipoint Lockwood Latitude Slim and Yale Unity Slim, the Vault Eclipse and the face-recognition Vault Alpha all suit aluminium doors. Check the stile width first.
View all slim-style smart locks for narrow frame doors
Fitting a sliding door? Choose the hook-bolt A231 instead.
This page is the hinged (swing) door version with a latch-and-deadbolt mortice. The McGrath A231 with Hook Bolt is the same 31mm lock body paired with a 28mm or 35mm hook mortice for sliding doors. Both hook bodies are also sold on their own - 28mm hook mortice and 35mm hook mortice. Not sure which door type you have? Start with the door type compatibility matrix.
This page is the hinged (swing) door version with a latch-and-deadbolt mortice. The McGrath A231 with Hook Bolt is the same 31mm lock body paired with a 28mm or 35mm hook mortice for sliding doors. Both hook bodies are also sold on their own - 28mm hook mortice and 35mm hook mortice. Not sure which door type you have? Start with the door type compatibility matrix.
Access Methods and Smart Features
PIN Code
Fingerprint
RFID Card / Fob
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi (Gateway)
Mechanical Key
iOS App
Android App
The McGrath Locks App is available for iOS and Android (Android 4.3 / iOS 7.0 and above). Wi-Fi remote access requires a McGrath gateway, sold separately. How the five methods compare is in the access method comparison table.
Key Features
- 5-in-1 access - PIN keypad, RFID card or fob, fingerprint, Bluetooth eKey and mechanical key override, all managed from one app. How the layers of a smart lock's authentication stack back each other up is explained in Chapter 01.
- 31mm ultra-slim body - the narrowest lock McGrath makes, sized for aluminium door stiles that will not take a 36mm or 43mm lock. If your stile is under 50mm, read the stile-width guidance before ordering.
- Lever or hexagonal knob handle - two handle configurations on the same body, each in Matt Black or Silver. Handing is reversible left or right at installation - see field-reversible versus fixed handing.
- McGrath 85 Series Euro mortice supplied - a stainless steel latch-and-deadbolt body with 85mm centres, 8mm spindle and a 500,000-cycle rating, tested to BHMA Level 2 and 3. Lift the lever to throw the deadbolt manually. The 28mm backset body ships in the box; 30mm to 70mm bodies are listed under Accessories, all in the mortice locks for smart locks category. Why backset matters on a smart lock.
- Bluetooth control via the McGrath Locks App - the McGrath-branded build of the TTLock platform, also compatible with TTRenting and TTHotel. Issue unlimited eKeys to family, staff or guests with permanent, timed or one-off validity.
- Optional Wi-Fi remote access - pair a G5 (dual-band Wi-Fi), G4 (Wi-Fi + 4G SIM) or G3 (Ethernet / PoE) gateway to unlock remotely, send codes to a visitor and view the activity log from anywhere. What changes when you add a gateway, and whether you actually need one.
- Passage mode - hold the door unlocked for a party, a tradesperson's visit or office hours, then return to secure with a tap.
- Anti-peep PIN entry and failed-attempt lockout - pad your code with random digits so an onlooker cannot read it, and the keypad locks out after repeated wrong entries.
- In-app activity log - see who unlocked, how and when. Useful for audit trails in short-stay properties and for staff attendance on a small business door.
- Backlit touch keypad - readable at night without a porch light.
- Built to last - aluminium alloy body with an acrylic screen, durability tested to 100,000 cycles. What a cycle rating means for lifespan.
- Never locked out by a flat battery - a USB-C port on the outside module takes power from any phone power bank, and the mechanical key works regardless. What to do when the battery dies.
- 18-month battery life on 4 x AAA alkaline batteries at ten uses a day - among the longest in the McGrath range. What really affects smart lock battery life.
- IP65 rated external module - the outside keypad unit is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets for a regular front door with one side facing the weather. The internal module houses the batteries and is for interior use only. What IP ratings mean.
- Locally supported - distributed in Australia by LSC and backed by Terry's Locksmiths at Burleigh Heads. The supply chain behind every McGrath installation.
What's in the Box
McGrath A231 Slimline Digital Smart Lock - Hinged Doors
- External lock module (keypad, RFID reader and fingerprint reader) x1
- Internal lock module (battery compartment) x1
- McGrath 85 Series Euro mortice lock, 28mm backset x1
- Strike plate x1
- Mechanical override keys x2
- RFID access tags x2
- Fixing screws and spindle
- Drilling template
- Mini security screwdriver
- Installation guide
Batteries (4 x AAA alkaline) are not included. A Wi-Fi gateway is sold separately - see Accessories. If the supplied 28mm backset does not match your door prep, alternative 85 Series mortice bodies are available; see what happens when the backset is wrong.
Suitable Uses
- Narrow-stile aluminium hinged doors where even a 36mm lock body will not fit - shopfronts, aluminium-framed entry doors and patio doors. Confirm the stile against the door type compatibility matrix.
- Timber and aluminium hinged doors between 28mm and 55mm thick on a Euro mortice prep with 85mm centres - or a new mortice cut-out using the supplied template.
- Regular front doors with one side facing the weather and a sheltered internal side.
- Homes and small businesses that want fingerprint convenience with a backup key - see which platform suits a residential home.
- Short-stay and holiday rentals managed through TTLock PMS integrations with a gateway - see smart lock platforms for Airbnb and the two approaches to short-stay access.
- Offices, clinics and retail back doors using cyclic passcodes for cleaners and contractors - see platforms for commercial and retail.
- Retrofit upgrades on doors that already carry a Euro mortice - identify what is on the door now with Chapter 02 - mortice lever and escutcheon hardware.
Not suitable for: sliding doors (choose the A231 with hook bolt instead); external pedestrian gates or any position where both sides of the door face the weather - the IP65 rating covers the external module only, not the internal battery unit (the McGrath Ascot is the gate lock in this range); fire doors - the A231 carries no fire rating (see the Schlage Omnia or the McGrath Windsor for an apartment entry door); and security screen doors, where the McGrath ULTRA-SECUA is purpose-built - always check the screen door clearance first.
Available Finish Options
Matt Black
Lever or Hexagonal Handle
STK MLA231
Silver
Lever or Hexagonal Handle
STK MLA231
Matt Black and Silver, in either the lever or the hexagonal knob handle, are all supplied under the one listing (STK MLA231) - choose your finish and handle style at checkout. Finish selection does not affect functionality, compliance, or performance. Want a wider palette? The Zanda Stealth 35mm longplate is a narrow-stile TTLock lock offered in four finishes.
McGrath Slimline Range - Where the A231 Sits
Four locks share the McGrath 85 Series mortice, the same app and the same RFID credentials. They differ in body width, handle style and the mortice in the box - the columns are ordered widest to narrowest. Sliding-door bodies are listed in their own category.
This product is the bold column. Need a standard-width door instead? The McGrath NX5 runs the same 5-in-1 credential set on the same 85 Series mortice in a full-size body. Every McGrath model is compared in the McGrath brand profile.
Accessories and Spares
Every confirmed mortice body, cylinder, key blank, credential, gateway and service tool that suits the A231, with its item code. Mortice bodies are in the mortice locks for smart locks category, cylinders under cylinders and barrels, credentials under RFID fobs, tags and cards and gateways under modules and Wi-Fi gateways.
The A231 does not take a scar plate or rebate kit, and no wireless keypad or remote is listed for it. Batteries are not stocked as a line item - any 4 x AAA alkaline set is correct; see choosing and monitoring batteries. Everything else McGrath makes is under smart lock accessories.
Battery, Power and Backup Access
- Powered by 4 x AAA alkaline batteries (not included) housed in the internal module. Terry's recommends Duracell; why alkaline, and when to replace.
- McGrath rates battery life at 18 months at ten uses per day - real-world life depends on door alignment and traffic; what actually drains a smart lock battery.
- Operating voltage 4.5V to 9V; a low-battery warning triggers below 4.8V, sounding at the lock and showing in the McGrath Locks App. Remote functions through a gateway fail before local ones do - how to read a low-battery fault correctly.
- USB-C emergency power - a port on the underside of the external module accepts any phone power bank for a temporary boot if the batteries are flat.
- Mechanical key override through the Euro cylinder in the mortice works in every power condition. Keep the override key somewhere outside the house - where to store it, and a wall-mounted key safe or magnetic key hider does the job.
- A power outage does not affect the lock - it runs on its own batteries, so PIN, fingerprint, RFID and key all keep working; only remote access through a gateway stops. What actually happens in a power outage and how smart locks are powered.
Changing the batteries
The battery cover on the internal module is held by a security screw - the mini screwdriver in the box fits it, and a replacement McGrath Torx screwdriver is stocked if it goes missing. Change all four batteries together and never mix old with new. The power and battery FAQs cover the common questions.
The battery cover on the internal module is held by a security screw - the mini screwdriver in the box fits it, and a replacement McGrath Torx screwdriver is stocked if it goes missing. Change all four batteries together and never mix old with new. The power and battery FAQs cover the common questions.
Wi-Fi Remote Access (Optional - Gateway Required)
The A231 has no Wi-Fi of its own. On its own it is a Bluetooth lock: your phone talks to it directly when you are within a few metres, and eKeys and PIN codes you issue are written to the lock the next time a phone connects. Everything at the door keeps working without internet - what happens when the internet goes down.
Pair a McGrath gateway (sold separately) and the picture changes: unlock the door for a visitor from your desk, send a code to a tradesperson while you are at work, delete a lost fob instantly, and read the activity log live. The gateway bridges Bluetooth to your network and needs to sit within roughly ten metres of the lock - placement guidance. Choose by property: the G5 (dual-band Wi-Fi) for most homes, because it sidesteps the band-steering dropouts that plague 2.4GHz-only gateways; the G4 (Wi-Fi plus a 4G SIM) for holiday homes and sites with flaky internet; the G3 (Ethernet, PoE) for offices and IT-managed buildings. The gateway selection guide and the cross-brand interchangeability note cover the rest; if a gateway you already own keeps dropping, the hardware fix is usually a G5. Power any of them from the McGrath 240V wall adaptor.
Weather Rating - External Module Only
The external (outside) module is IP65 rated for everyday outdoor exposure - dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. The internal module, which houses the battery compartment and the electronics, is for interior use only and is not weather rated, so the A231 suits a door with one side facing the weather, not a gate. On the coast, salt air is the bigger enemy - read coastal environments and the Queensland-specific considerations.
The external (outside) module is IP65 rated for everyday outdoor exposure - dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. The internal module, which houses the battery compartment and the electronics, is for interior use only and is not weather rated, so the A231 suits a door with one side facing the weather, not a gate. On the coast, salt air is the bigger enemy - read coastal environments and the Queensland-specific considerations.
McGrath A231 - Technical Specifications
Lock figures are McGrath's current technical specifications; mortice body figures are from the 85 Series mortice specification sheet - both are in PDF Downloads. How the A231 compares with other narrow-stile locks we stock is in the access method comparison and the slim-line category.
Dimensions
All dimensions are in millimetres. The A231 comes in two handle configurations on the same 316mm x 31mm body - both drawings are from McGrath's technical documentation. Confirm your stile width and door thickness against these before ordering.
Hexagonal knob configuration - 316mm high, 31mm wide, 21.7mm and 19.7mm module depths, 45mm knob, 37.4mm and 16.4mm projections, 85mm centres.
Lever configuration - 316mm high, 31mm wide, 20.7mm and 19.7mm module depths, 124.5mm lever, 63mm and 43mm interior projections, 85mm centres.
Mortice Lock Options - McGrath 85 Series
The A231 takes any McGrath 85 Series mortice body. This hinged listing ships with the 28mm-backset swing body; the 30mm to 70mm swing bodies suit deeper stiles, and the 28mm and 35mm double-hook bodies are the sliding-door option. Standard backset sizes in Australia explains where 28mm sits; the swing-bolt throw on smart lock mortices is a separate measurement worth knowing.
85 Series swing bodies 2885, 3585, 4585, 5085 and 6085 (28, 35, 45, 50 and 60mm backsets) and the 2885 and 3585 double-hook bodies for sliding doors - all 85mm centres.
Euro 85 Series swing mortice bodies ML-SP-M-28/85 through 70/85 - 240mm x 22mm faceplate, 85mm centres, overall case widths 43, 45, 51.5, 61.5, 66.5, 76.5 and 86.5mm. Full specification in the Euro 85 Series Mortice specification (PDF); every body is listed under Accessories.
App Platform & Data Hosting
The McGrath Locks mobile app is a customised, McGrath-branded platform tailored specifically for the McGrath Locks product range. The app is managed, supported and distributed locally by McGrath Locks in Australia. Australian-based support staff handle warranty claims, app troubleshooting and platform queries - you are not dealing with an overseas vendor. The underlying cloud infrastructure is provided by TTLock, a globally deployed IoT platform. For a plain-English explanation of the platform, see the TTLock Platform Guide (Chapter 14); how it compares with the other platforms we stock is in Chapter 15.
Long-Term Support & Confidence
McGrath smart locks are backed by long-established industry partners and supported locally - LSC, a distributor with a century in the Australian security trade, and Terry's Locksmiths, fifty years on the Gold Coast. To learn more, read Why Terry's Locksmiths, LSC & McGrath Locks Give Long-Term Confidence, and what happens to a smart lock if its app is discontinued.
McGrath smart locks are backed by long-established industry partners and supported locally - LSC, a distributor with a century in the Australian security trade, and Terry's Locksmiths, fifty years on the Gold Coast. To learn more, read Why Terry's Locksmiths, LSC & McGrath Locks Give Long-Term Confidence, and what happens to a smart lock if its app is discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the A231 fit my narrow aluminium door?
If the stile is at least 31mm wide and the door is 28mm to 55mm thick, yes - the A231 is the narrowest body McGrath makes. The supplied mortice has a 28mm backset; if your existing prep is deeper, a 30 / 35 / 45 / 50 / 60 / 70mm 85 Series body from the Accessories table fits the same lock. Measure three things before you order - stile width, backset and door thickness - and if the stile is under 50mm, book a free site survey rather than guess.
If the stile is at least 31mm wide and the door is 28mm to 55mm thick, yes - the A231 is the narrowest body McGrath makes. The supplied mortice has a 28mm backset; if your existing prep is deeper, a 30 / 35 / 45 / 50 / 60 / 70mm 85 Series body from the Accessories table fits the same lock. Measure three things before you order - stile width, backset and door thickness - and if the stile is under 50mm, book a free site survey rather than guess.
Is this the hinged or the sliding version, and what is the difference?
This listing is the hinged (swing) door A231 with a latch-and-deadbolt swing mortice. The sliding-door version is the A231 with Hook Bolt - same 31mm lock body, same app and credentials, but paired with a 28mm or 35mm double-hook mortice that grips the frame instead of latching. Order the one that matches your door; the lock body does not swap between mortice types without the matching body. The door type compatibility matrix settles any doubt.
This listing is the hinged (swing) door A231 with a latch-and-deadbolt swing mortice. The sliding-door version is the A231 with Hook Bolt - same 31mm lock body, same app and credentials, but paired with a 28mm or 35mm double-hook mortice that grips the frame instead of latching. Order the one that matches your door; the lock body does not swap between mortice types without the matching body. The door type compatibility matrix settles any doubt.
Does the A231 have built-in Wi-Fi?
No. Bluetooth is standard for local control within a few metres, and that covers everything at the door. Remote unlocking, sending codes from afar and live activity logs need a McGrath gateway - the G5 for most homes, the G4 where internet is patchy, the G3 for wired sites. Whether you need one at all depends on how you will use the lock - do you actually need a gateway? and which setup suits you both answer it plainly.
No. Bluetooth is standard for local control within a few metres, and that covers everything at the door. Remote unlocking, sending codes from afar and live activity logs need a McGrath gateway - the G5 for most homes, the G4 where internet is patchy, the G3 for wired sites. Whether you need one at all depends on how you will use the lock - do you actually need a gateway? and which setup suits you both answer it plainly.
What happens if the batteries go flat?
You are not locked out. The lock warns you first - audibly at the keypad and in the app - when the batteries drop below 4.8V, well before they die. If they do run flat, hold a phone power bank to the USB-C port under the external module to wake the lock, or use one of the two mechanical keys in the Euro cylinder. What to do when the battery dies walks through both, and battery management on the TTLock platform explains why remote functions stop before local ones.
You are not locked out. The lock warns you first - audibly at the keypad and in the app - when the batteries drop below 4.8V, well before they die. If they do run flat, hold a phone power bank to the USB-C port under the external module to wake the lock, or use one of the two mechanical keys in the Euro cylinder. What to do when the battery dies walks through both, and battery management on the TTLock platform explains why remote functions stop before local ones.
My A231 will not lock after installation - what is wrong?
On a slimline mortice lock this is almost always fitment rather than a fault: the spindle sitting in the wrong hub, a backset that does not match the door prep, or a door that does not close square so the deadbolt binds. The handle still opens when the lock is locked, wrong hardware or backset and poor door preparation cover the three usual causes, and the symptom-to-fix table in Chapter 12 covers the rest. One thing that is not a fault: the McGrath Locks App still shows a Tamper Alert toggle. The A231 has no hardware behind it and switching it on only produces phantom alerts - leave it off (how to turn it off).
On a slimline mortice lock this is almost always fitment rather than a fault: the spindle sitting in the wrong hub, a backset that does not match the door prep, or a door that does not close square so the deadbolt binds. The handle still opens when the lock is locked, wrong hardware or backset and poor door preparation cover the three usual causes, and the symptom-to-fix table in Chapter 12 covers the rest. One thing that is not a fault: the McGrath Locks App still shows a Tamper Alert toggle. The A231 has no hardware behind it and switching it on only produces phantom alerts - leave it off (how to turn it off).
More questions - enrolment, codes, handing, gateways, handover and troubleshooting - are answered in the FAQ tab above, and in the Smart Lock FAQ (Chapter 13).
Additional Information
- The A231 is a McGrath-branded lock on the TTLock platform. It also works with TTRenting and TTHotel, so property managers can run it alongside other TTLock locks; it is distributed by LSC and supported by Terry's - see the app platform behind McGrath, the TTLock Platform Guide and five questions that decide which platform suits you.
- Permanent PIN codes take up to 24 hours to activate on a Bluetooth-only lock. This is the single most common McGrath support call: a permanent code issued from the app will not work at the keypad until a phone has connected to the lock, or a gateway has synced it. Issue codes ahead of time, or use a gateway - the 24-hour activation rule and how to stop codes expiring explain it.
- Choosing within the slimline family. At 31mm the A231 is the tightest fit McGrath offers. Step up to the 36mm A236 or the wider A210 for a bigger body, choose the A210 Double-Sided for a keypad on both faces of the door, or the A231 with Hook Bolt for a slider. For a standard-width door, the NX5 runs the same credentials on the same mortice series.
- Coastal installs. The IP65 rating on the external module handles rain and dust; it does not stop salt air working on an aluminium body over the years. Within a few hundred metres of the surf, rinse the keypad face occasionally and budget for shorter finish life - coastal Queensland is not gentle, and what a realistic lifespan looks like.
- Tamper Alert. The TTLock app exposes a Tamper Alert toggle, but the A231 hardware does not support it and enabling it produces phantom alerts. Leave it disabled. Background: why McGrath locks do not support it, Tamper Alert versus the incorrect-PIN alarm (which the A231 does have) and the Chapter 13 FAQ.
Warranty
Warranty
12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (24-month on ALBION, ASCOT, ASHGROVE, BARDON, GRANGE, HAMILTON, KEDRON, MANLY, SANDGATE, STAFFORD, ULTRA SECUA and WINDSOR models). McGrath Locks will repair, replace, or refund at their discretion. Proof of purchase required for all claims. Returns & Warranty | McGrath Locks Warranty
12-month warranty against defects in materials and workmanship (24-month on ALBION, ASCOT, ASHGROVE, BARDON, GRANGE, HAMILTON, KEDRON, MANLY, SANDGATE, STAFFORD, ULTRA SECUA and WINDSOR models). McGrath Locks will repair, replace, or refund at their discretion. Proof of purchase required for all claims. Returns & Warranty | McGrath Locks Warranty
Download PDF Resources
A231 Technical Specifications (PDF)
McGrath's current two-page datasheet (2025) - the authoritative figures for door thickness, case size, handle projection, capacities, battery life, voltages, operating environment and warranty. Matches the specification table above.
McGrath's current two-page datasheet (2025) - the authoritative figures for door thickness, case size, handle projection, capacities, battery life, voltages, operating environment and warranty. Matches the specification table above.
A231 Datasheet - Dimensions and Mortice Options (earlier edition) (PDF)
McGrath's earlier five-page datasheet (2022). Use it for the lever and hexagonal-handle dimension drawings on page 3 and the 85 Series mortice options on page 4; its specification tables on pages 2 and 5 are the previous generation and are superseded by the current datasheet above.
McGrath's earlier five-page datasheet (2022). Use it for the lever and hexagonal-handle dimension drawings on page 3 and the 85 Series mortice options on page 4; its specification tables on pages 2 and 5 are the previous generation and are superseded by the current datasheet above.
A231 Product Brochure (PDF)
One-page overview of the A231 as a swing and sliding door lock - the four colour and handle combinations, the annotated lock diagram and the access methods at a glance.
One-page overview of the A231 as a swing and sliding door lock - the four colour and handle combinations, the annotated lock diagram and the access methods at a glance.
Euro 85 Series Mortice Lock - Specifications (PDF)
Specification and dimension sheet for the McGrath 85 Series swing mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets) supplied with the A210, A231, A236 and NX5 - SS304 construction, 500,000 cycles, BHMA Level 2 and 3, faceplate and case dimensions and each body's overall width. Read with the mortice door prep guide.
Specification and dimension sheet for the McGrath 85 Series swing mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets) supplied with the A210, A231, A236 and NX5 - SS304 construction, 500,000 cycles, BHMA Level 2 and 3, faceplate and case dimensions and each body's overall width. Read with the mortice door prep guide.
TT Lock App User Manual (PDF)
The 56-page manual for the TTLock platform the McGrath Locks App is built on - registration, adding a lock, eKeys, passcodes, cards, fingerprints, gateways and settings. Pair it with our TTLock tips and FAQ.
The 56-page manual for the TTLock platform the McGrath Locks App is built on - registration, adding a lock, eKeys, passcodes, cards, fingerprints, gateways and settings. Pair it with our TTLock tips and FAQ.
McGrath A231 Slimline Smart Lock - FAQ, Setup and Owner's Guide
Everything below is here to help you choose, fit, set up and live with the McGrath A231 on a hinged door. For general smart-lock questions see the Smart Lock FAQ (Chapter 13); for measuring and door matching start with Measuring Your Door (Chapter 02) and the door type compatibility matrix.
Access and Credentials
What kinds of PIN code can the A231 hold, and how many?
Up to 250 codes of 4 to 9 digits (4-digit codes can only be set from the app). The McGrath Locks App issues permanent, timed (start and end date), one-time, custom and recurring codes - the six TTLock passcode types explains each. Type a few random digits before and after your code at the keypad and it still opens - that is the anti-peep feature - and repeated wrong entries lock the keypad out for a short period. Browse everything with a PIN keypad.
Up to 250 codes of 4 to 9 digits (4-digit codes can only be set from the app). The McGrath Locks App issues permanent, timed (start and end date), one-time, custom and recurring codes - the six TTLock passcode types explains each. Type a few random digits before and after your code at the keypad and it still opens - that is the anti-peep feature - and repeated wrong entries lock the keypad out for a short period. Browse everything with a PIN keypad.
Why does a new permanent PIN not work at the door yet?
Because the lock has not received it. On a Bluetooth-only A231, codes travel to the lock when a phone with the app next connects to it; TTLock also enforces an activation window on permanent codes that can run to 24 hours. Standing next to the door with the app open and waiting a moment usually pushes it through; a gateway removes the problem entirely. The 24-hour activation rule, the activation windows by passcode type and how to stop codes expiring cover it. If every code fails at once, clock drift is the likelier culprit - see below.
Because the lock has not received it. On a Bluetooth-only A231, codes travel to the lock when a phone with the app next connects to it; TTLock also enforces an activation window on permanent codes that can run to 24 hours. Standing next to the door with the app open and waiting a moment usually pushes it through; a gateway removes the problem entirely. The 24-hour activation rule, the activation windows by passcode type and how to stop codes expiring cover it. If every code fails at once, clock drift is the likelier culprit - see below.
How do I get the fingerprint reader to work reliably?
Enrol each finger from three angles rather than pressing the same way three times, enrol two fingers per person, and keep the sensor dry - a wet or greasy finger is the usual cause of a rejected read. The A231 stores 100 fingerprints and recognises in about 1.5 seconds. The three-angle enrolment technique and the fingerprint failure modes in Chapter 03 are worth five minutes before you enrol the family. See all our fingerprint smart locks.
Enrol each finger from three angles rather than pressing the same way three times, enrol two fingers per person, and keep the sensor dry - a wet or greasy finger is the usual cause of a rejected read. The A231 stores 100 fingerprints and recognises in about 1.5 seconds. The three-angle enrolment technique and the fingerprint failure modes in Chapter 03 are worth five minutes before you enrol the family. See all our fingerprint smart locks.
Which RFID cards and fobs work, and can I cancel one if it is lost?
The A231 reads 13.56MHz MIFARE credentials - the two tags in the box plus any McGrath card, fob, wristband or sticker, up to 1,000 of them. Each credential is registered individually in the app, so a lost fob is deleted in seconds without touching anyone else's. Cards and fobs are passive - no battery, nothing to charge. How RFID credentials work and the TTLock credential guide have the detail; the full range is under RFID fobs, tags and cards.
The A231 reads 13.56MHz MIFARE credentials - the two tags in the box plus any McGrath card, fob, wristband or sticker, up to 1,000 of them. Each credential is registered individually in the app, so a lost fob is deleted in seconds without touching anyone else's. Cards and fobs are passive - no battery, nothing to charge. How RFID credentials work and the TTLock credential guide have the detail; the full range is under RFID fobs, tags and cards.
What is an eKey and how many can I issue?
An eKey is app access granted to another person's phone - they install the McGrath Locks App, accept the eKey and can then unlock over Bluetooth for as long as you allow (permanent, timed, one-off or recurring). There is no limit on the A231. eKeys can be revoked remotely at any time, which makes them ideal for cleaners, agents and short-stay guests. eKeys explained and the weekly cleaner example show how they are used in practice.
An eKey is app access granted to another person's phone - they install the McGrath Locks App, accept the eKey and can then unlock over Bluetooth for as long as you allow (permanent, timed, one-off or recurring). There is no limit on the A231. eKeys can be revoked remotely at any time, which makes them ideal for cleaners, agents and short-stay guests. eKeys explained and the weekly cleaner example show how they are used in practice.
What is passage mode and when would I use it?
Passage mode holds the lock unlocked so anyone can open the door without a credential - handy for a party, an open house, a tradesperson's day on site or business hours on a shop back door. Turn it on and off in the app; when it is off the lock returns to secure. Do not confuse it with the internal handle: on the A231 the inside lever always opens the door for free egress, passage mode only affects the outside.
Passage mode holds the lock unlocked so anyone can open the door without a credential - handy for a party, an open house, a tradesperson's day on site or business hours on a shop back door. Turn it on and off in the app; when it is off the lock returns to secure. Do not confuse it with the internal handle: on the A231 the inside lever always opens the door for free egress, passage mode only affects the outside.
Can I require two credentials to unlock, for higher security?
Yes - the TTLock platform supports two-factor unlocking, where a PIN and a fingerprint or card must be presented together. It suits an office server room or an NDIS setting more than a family front door, and it is not appropriate for short-stay guests. When two-factor makes sense sets out the test.
Yes - the TTLock platform supports two-factor unlocking, where a PIN and a fingerprint or card must be presented together. It suits an office server room or an NDIS setting more than a family front door, and it is not appropriate for short-stay guests. When two-factor makes sense sets out the test.
Fitting and Door Compatibility
How narrow a stile will the A231 fit?
The body is 31mm wide, so it sits comfortably on a 40mm stile and can be made to work on stiles a little narrower with careful marking out. The mortice is the real constraint: the supplied 28mm-backset body has an overall case width of 43mm and a 22mm-wide faceplate, so the door section needs to be deep enough to accept it. Chapter 02 sets out the rule of thumb for aluminium stile widths, and for anything under 50mm we would rather look at the door first. Every narrow-frame option we stock is in the slim-line category.
The body is 31mm wide, so it sits comfortably on a 40mm stile and can be made to work on stiles a little narrower with careful marking out. The mortice is the real constraint: the supplied 28mm-backset body has an overall case width of 43mm and a 22mm-wide faceplate, so the door section needs to be deep enough to accept it. Chapter 02 sets out the rule of thumb for aluminium stile widths, and for anything under 50mm we would rather look at the door first. Every narrow-frame option we stock is in the slim-line category.
Which backset do I need, and can I change the supplied 28mm body?
Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the keypad column and cylinder - what backset actually means and how to measure it. The A231 hinged listing comes with a 28mm-backset 85 Series mortice, which suits most narrow aluminium stiles. If your door is already prepped for a deeper mortice, swap in a 30 / 35 / 45 / 50mm, 60mm or 70mm body - the lock modules are the same. Getting it wrong is the second most common installation mistake: wrong backset or latch kit.
Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the keypad column and cylinder - what backset actually means and how to measure it. The A231 hinged listing comes with a 28mm-backset 85 Series mortice, which suits most narrow aluminium stiles. If your door is already prepped for a deeper mortice, swap in a 30 / 35 / 45 / 50mm, 60mm or 70mm body - the lock modules are the same. Getting it wrong is the second most common installation mistake: wrong backset or latch kit.
What door thickness does it suit, and what if my door is thinner or thicker?
28mm to 55mm, which covers virtually every aluminium door and most timber doors. Below 28mm the two modules meet; above 55mm the standard spindle and through-bolts run out of reach. If you are outside the range, tell us the exact thickness before ordering - measuring door thickness shows where to take the measurement (at the lock, not the edge moulding).
28mm to 55mm, which covers virtually every aluminium door and most timber doors. Below 28mm the two modules meet; above 55mm the standard spindle and through-bolts run out of reach. If you are outside the range, tell us the exact thickness before ordering - measuring door thickness shows where to take the measurement (at the lock, not the edge moulding).
Does it matter whether my door is left or right handed?
Not when you order - the A231 is reversible and set for left or right hand during installation, so one listing covers every door. It does matter that the installer sets it correctly, because a lever pointing the wrong way is the first thing a customer notices. How to determine the handing of your door and why the US and Australian conventions differ are useful if you are comparing overseas instructions.
Not when you order - the A231 is reversible and set for left or right hand during installation, so one listing covers every door. It does matter that the installer sets it correctly, because a lever pointing the wrong way is the first thing a customer notices. How to determine the handing of your door and why the US and Australian conventions differ are useful if you are comparing overseas instructions.
Can I fit the A231 to a sliding door if I buy a hook mortice separately?
The hook-bolt version is sold as its own listing - the A231 with Hook Bolt - and that is the right way to buy it for a slider. The 28mm and 35mm hook bodies are stocked separately as spares. Note the hook bodies carry a longer 270mm faceplate than the 240mm swing bodies, so the door prep differs. Sliding options across all brands are in the sliding door category.
The hook-bolt version is sold as its own listing - the A231 with Hook Bolt - and that is the right way to buy it for a slider. The 28mm and 35mm hook bodies are stocked separately as spares. Note the hook bodies carry a longer 270mm faceplate than the 240mm swing bodies, so the door prep differs. Sliding options across all brands are in the sliding door category.
Can I install the A231 myself?
A competent DIYer with a drill, a jigsaw or router for the mortice pocket and a steady hand can, especially on a door that already has an 85mm-pitch Euro mortice. A new cut-out in an aluminium stile is a different job - the tolerances are tight and a slip is visible forever. When DIY is appropriate and when it is not is honest about it, and Terry's offers supply and installation across the Gold Coast. Either way, fit the mortice and check the door closes cleanly on the deadbolt before the electronics go on - door misalignment is the number one cause of motor strain and flat batteries.
A competent DIYer with a drill, a jigsaw or router for the mortice pocket and a steady hand can, especially on a door that already has an 85mm-pitch Euro mortice. A new cut-out in an aluminium stile is a different job - the tolerances are tight and a slip is visible forever. When DIY is appropriate and when it is not is honest about it, and Terry's offers supply and installation across the Gold Coast. Either way, fit the mortice and check the door closes cleanly on the deadbolt before the electronics go on - door misalignment is the number one cause of motor strain and flat batteries.
I am replacing an old Euro mortice lock - will the A231 line up?
If the existing mortice has 85mm centres between the spindle and the cylinder, the 85 Series body drops into the same pocket and the faceplate covers the old cut-out. If it has 72mm or 92mm centres, the pocket needs adjusting and the A231 will not reuse the old cylinder. Identify what you have with Chapter 02 - mortice lever hardware and bored cylindrical versus mortice door prep. Bring the old body to the Burleigh Heads counter and we will match it.
If the existing mortice has 85mm centres between the spindle and the cylinder, the 85 Series body drops into the same pocket and the faceplate covers the old cut-out. If it has 72mm or 92mm centres, the pocket needs adjusting and the A231 will not reuse the old cylinder. Identify what you have with Chapter 02 - mortice lever hardware and bored cylindrical versus mortice door prep. Bring the old body to the Burleigh Heads counter and we will match it.
Will it work on an aluminium-framed glass shopfront door?
Yes - that is exactly the door it was designed for, and most of the installations in the gallery tab are aluminium-framed glass commercial doors around the Gold Coast. The A231 is a single-point lock, so on a shopfront it replaces a Euro mortice with a lever, not a multipoint or a floor-spring lock; if the door has a bottom rail lock or a vertical pull handle, vertical push-pull handle doors and the door type matrix explain the options. For a strata or body-corporate door, run the four strata checks first.
Yes - that is exactly the door it was designed for, and most of the installations in the gallery tab are aluminium-framed glass commercial doors around the Gold Coast. The A231 is a single-point lock, so on a shopfront it replaces a Euro mortice with a lever, not a multipoint or a floor-spring lock; if the door has a bottom rail lock or a vertical pull handle, vertical push-pull handle doors and the door type matrix explain the options. For a strata or body-corporate door, run the four strata checks first.
Can I use it on an external pedestrian gate or a fire door?
No to both. On a gate both modules face the weather and the internal (battery) module is not sealed - the double-sided McGrath Ascot is the gate lock in the range. The A231 carries no fire test, so it must not go on an apartment entry or any tagged fire door; the McGrath Windsor and Hamilton and the Schlage Omnia are the fire-tested options, and fire door types and certification explains why it matters.
No to both. On a gate both modules face the weather and the internal (battery) module is not sealed - the double-sided McGrath Ascot is the gate lock in the range. The A231 carries no fire test, so it must not go on an apartment entry or any tagged fire door; the McGrath Windsor and Hamilton and the Schlage Omnia are the fire-tested options, and fire door types and certification explains why it matters.
Remote Access and Gateway
Which McGrath gateway should I buy for the A231?
For a typical home, the G5 - it connects on either 2.4GHz or 5GHz, so a modern router that merges both bands cannot knock it offline. For a holiday home or anywhere the internet drops, the G4 adds a 4G SIM fallback. For an office with a network rack, the G3 runs on Ethernet and PoE with no Wi-Fi at all. One gateway serves several locks within Bluetooth range. Full comparison: G2 vs G3 vs G4 vs G5 and the gateways we supply.
For a typical home, the G5 - it connects on either 2.4GHz or 5GHz, so a modern router that merges both bands cannot knock it offline. For a holiday home or anywhere the internet drops, the G4 adds a 4G SIM fallback. For an office with a network rack, the G3 runs on Ethernet and PoE with no Wi-Fi at all. One gateway serves several locks within Bluetooth range. Full comparison: G2 vs G3 vs G4 vs G5 and the gateways we supply.
My gateway keeps dropping offline - what is going on?
Almost always band steering: your router shuffles a 2.4GHz-only gateway between bands and it loses the connection. Power-cycling the gateway fixes it for a while, which is the tell. Either give the 2.4GHz network its own name in the router, or move to the dual-band G5. Band steering explained, the two ways to fix it and the Chapter 13 answer. Also check the gateway is not too far from the lock or behind a brick wall - where to position it.
Almost always band steering: your router shuffles a 2.4GHz-only gateway between bands and it loses the connection. Power-cycling the gateway fixes it for a while, which is the tell. Either give the 2.4GHz network its own name in the router, or move to the dual-band G5. Band steering explained, the two ways to fix it and the Chapter 13 answer. Also check the gateway is not too far from the lock or behind a brick wall - where to position it.
Where should the gateway sit relative to the lock?
Within about ten metres and ideally with line of sight - the gateway talks to the lock over Bluetooth, so distance and masonry both hurt. A power point in the hallway near the front door is the usual spot; the McGrath dual-USB wall adaptor powers it. Gateway placement in Chapter 08 has the guidance.
Within about ten metres and ideally with line of sight - the gateway talks to the lock over Bluetooth, so distance and masonry both hurt. A power point in the hallway near the front door is the usual spot; the McGrath dual-USB wall adaptor powers it. Gateway placement in Chapter 08 has the guidance.
What still works if the internet goes down?
Everything at the door - PIN, fingerprint, RFID, Bluetooth from a phone standing at the lock, and the key. Only the remote functions pause: unlocking from afar, sending codes and live log updates. When the connection returns the gateway syncs and the log catches up. What happens when the internet goes down and, for a rental, the critical scenario of Wi-Fi dropping during a guest stay.
Everything at the door - PIN, fingerprint, RFID, Bluetooth from a phone standing at the lock, and the key. Only the remote functions pause: unlocking from afar, sending codes and live log updates. When the connection returns the gateway syncs and the log catches up. What happens when the internet goes down and, for a rental, the critical scenario of Wi-Fi dropping during a guest stay.
Can I run the A231 for an Airbnb or short-stay property?
Yes, with a gateway. TTLock integrates with property management systems such as Hostaway, Guesty and RemoteLock, which can issue and expire guest codes automatically from the booking calendar; without a gateway you issue codes manually from the app. PMS platforms that integrate with TTLock, PMS integration in Chapter 14 and the short-stay setup checklist get you there. Be honest with yourself about when Igloohome will serve you better - for a single property with no gateway, an offline algoPIN lock can be simpler; TTLock without Wi-Fi sets out what you give up.
Yes, with a gateway. TTLock integrates with property management systems such as Hostaway, Guesty and RemoteLock, which can issue and expire guest codes automatically from the booking calendar; without a gateway you issue codes manually from the app. PMS platforms that integrate with TTLock, PMS integration in Chapter 14 and the short-stay setup checklist get you there. Be honest with yourself about when Igloohome will serve you better - for a single property with no gateway, an offline algoPIN lock can be simpler; TTLock without Wi-Fi sets out what you give up.
Power and Batteries
How long do the batteries really last?
McGrath rates 18 months at ten operations a day on four AAA alkaline cells. Expect less on a busy shop door, in a cold snap, or - the big one - on a door that does not close square, because the motor strains against a binding deadbolt on every cycle. Battery life - the truth, not the marketing version and door alignment, the most underestimated factor.
McGrath rates 18 months at ten operations a day on four AAA alkaline cells. Expect less on a busy shop door, in a cold snap, or - the big one - on a door that does not close square, because the motor strains against a binding deadbolt on every cycle. Battery life - the truth, not the marketing version and door alignment, the most underestimated factor.
Which batteries should I use?
Four AAA alkaline. Terry's recommends Duracell. Do not use rechargeable NiMH cells - their lower voltage trips the low-battery warning early and shortens run time - and do not mix old and new. Monitoring and choosing batteries covers the detail.
Four AAA alkaline. Terry's recommends Duracell. Do not use rechargeable NiMH cells - their lower voltage trips the low-battery warning early and shortens run time - and do not mix old and new. Monitoring and choosing batteries covers the detail.
The app says the battery is fine but the lock is behaving oddly - flat batteries or something else?
Work through the cases: remote functions failing while the keypad still works points to the gateway or band steering, not the battery; a keypad that lights but will not turn the motor is usually voltage sag or a binding door; a valid code rejected at the keypad while the app opens the lock is clock drift. Reading a low-battery fault correctly separates them, and clock calibration - or calibrating without a gateway - fixes the third.
Work through the cases: remote functions failing while the keypad still works points to the gateway or band steering, not the battery; a keypad that lights but will not turn the motor is usually voltage sag or a binding door; a valid code rejected at the keypad while the app opens the lock is clock drift. Reading a low-battery fault correctly separates them, and clock calibration - or calibrating without a gateway - fixes the third.
Where is the keyhole, and where should I keep the override key?
The Euro cylinder sits in the mortice, below the external module - the key enters at the bottom of the outside face, where the LOCK label is. Keep one of the two keys outside the house: a wall-mounted key safe or a magnetic key hider on the car, never under the mat. Where is the keyhole? and key hiders that are smarter than the doormat. Extra keys are cut from the A231 key blank, and a keyed-alike cylinder lets one key open several A231 doors.
The Euro cylinder sits in the mortice, below the external module - the key enters at the bottom of the outside face, where the LOCK label is. Keep one of the two keys outside the house: a wall-mounted key safe or a magnetic key hider on the car, never under the mat. Where is the keyhole? and key hiders that are smarter than the doormat. Extra keys are cut from the A231 key blank, and a keyed-alike cylinder lets one key open several A231 doors.
Weather, Durability and Lifespan
Is the A231 weatherproof?
The external module is IP65 - sealed against dust and low-pressure water jets - so rain on the outside face of a front door is fine. The internal module is not rated and must stay indoors, which rules out gates and any door exposed on both sides. IP ratings from IP52 to IP67 explains the numbers; a covered entry is still kinder to any electronic lock than direct sun and driving rain - direct sunlight and heat.
The external module is IP65 - sealed against dust and low-pressure water jets - so rain on the outside face of a front door is fine. The internal module is not rated and must stay indoors, which rules out gates and any door exposed on both sides. IP ratings from IP52 to IP67 explains the numbers; a covered entry is still kinder to any electronic lock than direct sun and driving rain - direct sunlight and heat.
I am near the beach - how will the A231 hold up?
The aluminium alloy body is not the weak point; salt air attacks fasteners, the spindle and any exposed steel first, and it dulls finishes over time. Rinse the outside face with fresh water now and then, keep the door covered if you can, and expect to service the mortice sooner than an inland install. Coastal environments - Gold Coast specific and coastal Queensland is not gentle. McGrath's warranty excludes corrosion, like every lock brand's.
The aluminium alloy body is not the weak point; salt air attacks fasteners, the spindle and any exposed steel first, and it dulls finishes over time. Rinse the outside face with fresh water now and then, keep the door covered if you can, and expect to service the mortice sooner than an inland install. Coastal environments - Gold Coast specific and coastal Queensland is not gentle. McGrath's warranty excludes corrosion, like every lock brand's.
How long should an A231 last?
The lock is tested to 100,000 cycles and the mortice body to 500,000 - at ten operations a day that is 27 years for the lock mechanism. In practice the electronics, the finish and the installation set the lifespan: a well-fitted A231 on a square door in a covered entry should give many years; a binding door will wear a motor out in two. A realistic lifespan expectation, why installation quality matters most and what actually fails.
The lock is tested to 100,000 cycles and the mortice body to 500,000 - at ten operations a day that is 27 years for the lock mechanism. In practice the electronics, the finish and the installation set the lifespan: a well-fitted A231 on a square door in a covered entry should give many years; a binding door will wear a motor out in two. A realistic lifespan expectation, why installation quality matters most and what actually fails.
App, Platform and Data
What app does the A231 use, and where is my data held?
The McGrath Locks App - a McGrath-branded build of the TTLock platform, managed, supported and distributed in Australia by McGrath Locks, with Australian staff handling warranty and app queries. The cloud infrastructure underneath is TTLock's globally deployed IoT platform. It is also compatible with the TTRenting and TTHotel apps for property managers. What is TTLock?, the TTLock platform card in Chapter 15 and the security and data sovereignty comparison across platforms.
The McGrath Locks App - a McGrath-branded build of the TTLock platform, managed, supported and distributed in Australia by McGrath Locks, with Australian staff handling warranty and app queries. The cloud infrastructure underneath is TTLock's globally deployed IoT platform. It is also compatible with the TTRenting and TTHotel apps for property managers. What is TTLock?, the TTLock platform card in Chapter 15 and the security and data sovereignty comparison across platforms.
Is the TTLock platform secure?
Reasonably, with caveats we state plainly. TTLock has had published vulnerabilities (six CVEs disclosed in 2023, since patched) and, unlike ASSA ABLOY's Yale and Lockwood locks, McGrath products do not yet carry an Australian Cyber Security Act declaration. Keep the app updated, use unique admin credentials and switch on two-factor for the admin account. Security considerations - full CVE disclosure, what TTLock does not do and the new Australian smart device security law.
Reasonably, with caveats we state plainly. TTLock has had published vulnerabilities (six CVEs disclosed in 2023, since patched) and, unlike ASSA ABLOY's Yale and Lockwood locks, McGrath products do not yet carry an Australian Cyber Security Act declaration. Keep the app updated, use unique admin credentials and switch on two-factor for the admin account. Security considerations - full CVE disclosure, what TTLock does not do and the new Australian smart device security law.
How do I set the A231 up for the first time?
Fit the batteries, download the McGrath Locks App, create an account, then add the lock while standing beside it - the phone finds it over Bluetooth. The first account to add the lock becomes the administrator; set your own PIN straight away so the factory code is retired, enrol fingerprints and register the two tags. Add the gateway last if you have one. The TT Lock App User Manual (PDF) has every screen, and touch-to-unlock - when to disable it is worth reading on day one.
Fit the batteries, download the McGrath Locks App, create an account, then add the lock while standing beside it - the phone finds it over Bluetooth. The first account to add the lock becomes the administrator; set your own PIN straight away so the factory code is retired, enrol fingerprints and register the two tags. Add the gateway last if you have one. The TT Lock App User Manual (PDF) has every screen, and touch-to-unlock - when to disable it is worth reading on day one.
I am selling the property or changing tenants - how do I hand the lock over?
Do it in order: issue an erase code or delete every user, remove the gateway from your account, delete the lock from your app, collect the cards and fobs, and only then let the new owner add the lock to their account. Skip a step and the lock stays tied to you. The five-step handover checklist, transferring or re-adding a lock and safe use of the erase code at handover.
Do it in order: issue an erase code or delete every user, remove the gateway from your account, delete the lock from your app, collect the cards and fobs, and only then let the new owner add the lock to their account. Skip a step and the lock stays tied to you. The five-step handover checklist, transferring or re-adding a lock and safe use of the erase code at handover.
The app is showing Tamper Alerts when nobody is at the door - is the lock faulty?
No. The TTLock app carries a Tamper Alert toggle for locks that have a vibration sensor; the A231 does not, so switching it on produces phantom alerts from a passing truck or a slammed door. Turn it off and they stop. The A231 does have a genuine incorrect-PIN alarm, which is a different thing. Why enabling it causes phantom alerts, turn it off in three steps and which locks this applies to.
No. The TTLock app carries a Tamper Alert toggle for locks that have a vibration sensor; the A231 does not, so switching it on produces phantom alerts from a passing truck or a slammed door. Turn it off and they stop. The A231 does have a genuine incorrect-PIN alarm, which is a different thing. Why enabling it causes phantom alerts, turn it off in three steps and which locks this applies to.
Can I see who came and went?
Yes. Every unlock is logged with the time and the credential used - a named PIN, fingerprint, card or eKey. Over Bluetooth the log updates when your phone next connects; with a gateway it updates live and is available from anywhere. Small businesses use it for staff attendance, and short-stay hosts for dispute resolution.
Yes. Every unlock is logged with the time and the credential used - a named PIN, fingerprint, card or eKey. Over Bluetooth the log updates when your phone next connects; with a gateway it updates live and is available from anywhere. Small businesses use it for staff attendance, and short-stay hosts for dispute resolution.
Warranty and Support
What is the warranty, and who handles a claim?
Twelve months against defects in materials and workmanship, backed by McGrath Locks and administered through Terry's - bring the lock and your receipt to Burleigh Heads or start a return online. Batteries, battery leakage, corrosion and damage from installation by an unlicensed person are excluded, so keep the batteries fresh and photograph the installation. Warranty as a confidence signal explains why we value a brand that answers the phone.
Twelve months against defects in materials and workmanship, backed by McGrath Locks and administered through Terry's - bring the lock and your receipt to Burleigh Heads or start a return online. Batteries, battery leakage, corrosion and damage from installation by an unlicensed person are excluded, so keep the batteries fresh and photograph the installation. Warranty as a confidence signal explains why we value a brand that answers the phone.
Who do I call if something goes wrong in two years?
Terry's Locksmiths at Burleigh Heads - a fifty-year-old shopfront, not a marketplace seller - with McGrath Locks and LSC behind us for parts and platform support. Spare cylinders, key blanks, mortice bodies and credentials for the A231 are all stocked. The perspective of the installer, choosing a smart lock that will still be there and why buying from a specialist matters.
Terry's Locksmiths at Burleigh Heads - a fifty-year-old shopfront, not a marketplace seller - with McGrath Locks and LSC behind us for parts and platform support. Spare cylinders, key blanks, mortice bodies and credentials for the A231 are all stocked. The perspective of the installer, choosing a smart lock that will still be there and why buying from a specialist matters.
Related products, guides and chapters
McGrath slimline family: A231 with Hook Bolt (sliding) - A236 (36mm) - A210 - A210 Double-Sided - NX5 (standard stile, same mortice series).
Mortice bodies and spares: 85 Series 28-50mm swing - 60mm swing - 70mm swing - 28mm hook - 35mm hook - KTD cylinder - KA cylinder - key blank - Torx screwdriver.
Credentials and gateways: RFID card - fob - wristband - sticker - G5 - G4 - G3 - 240V wall adaptor.
Other narrow-stile smart locks: Lockwood Latitude Slim - Yale Unity Slim - Vault Eclipse - Vault Alpha - Zanda Stealth 35mm - Lockton ELEV36 narrow leverset - all slim-line locks.
Buyer's Guide: Ch 01 What Is a Smart Lock - Ch 02 Measuring Your Door - Ch 03 Access Methods - Ch 04 Door Types - Ch 07 Airbnb - Ch 08 Gateways - Ch 10 McGrath profile - Ch 11 Standards and IP - Ch 12 Installation - Ch 13 FAQ - Ch 14 TTLock - Ch 15 App Platforms.
Blogs: TTLock Tips and Tricks - G2 to G5 Gateways Compared - Measuring Your Lock Backset - Mechanical Key Override - Smart Lock Not Locking - Why Smart Locks Drop Off Wi-Fi - The Realities of Electronic Door Locks - How Long Do Digital Locks Last - Which Platform Is Right for You - Using TTLock for Airbnb - Terry's Locksmiths + LSC + McGrath - Measure the stile, not the post.
What's in the Box - McGrath A231 (Hinged Doors)
- External lock module with backlit touch keypad, RFID reader and fingerprint reader x1
- Internal lock module with battery compartment (4 x AAA) x1
- McGrath 85 Series Euro mortice lock body - 28mm backset, 85mm centres, SS304 x1
- Strike plate x1
- Mechanical override keys x2
- RFID access tags x2
- Fixing screws and spindle
- Drilling template
- Mini security screwdriver (battery cover)
- Installation guide
Not in the box
Batteries - buy 4 x AAA alkaline (Duracell recommended). A Wi-Fi gateway (G5, G4 or G3) is sold separately. If your door prep needs a different backset, the 30 to 50mm, 60mm and 70mm 85 Series bodies are stocked. Extra cards and fobs are in the RFID credentials range. The McGrath Locks App is a free download for iOS and Android.
Batteries - buy 4 x AAA alkaline (Duracell recommended). A Wi-Fi gateway (G5, G4 or G3) is sold separately. If your door prep needs a different backset, the 30 to 50mm, 60mm and 70mm 85 Series bodies are stocked. Extra cards and fobs are in the RFID credentials range. The McGrath Locks App is a free download for iOS and Android
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McGrath A231 Slimline Smart Lock - Real Installations
Terry's Locksmiths installed the McGrath A231 ultra-slim digital smart lock on a white aluminium-framed glass commercial entry door in Southport, Gold Coast QLD. With a 31mm narrow body, the A231 is built for slim commercial stile frames, offering 5-in-1 access via fingerprint reader, PIN keypad, RFID card, Bluetooth eKey and mechanical key override.
Terry's Locksmiths fitted the McGrath A231 slimline smart lock to a white hinged internal door in Robina, Gold Coast QLD. Access is managed through the McGrath Locks App via Bluetooth, with fingerprint recognition, PIN keypad, RFID card, Bluetooth eKey and key override all available in a single 31mm wide lock body.
Installed by Terry's Locksmiths on a white aluminium-framed glass hinged entry door in Broadbeach, Gold Coast QLD. The IP65-rated external module of the McGrath A231 suits a sheltered door frame like this one, combining smart access with weather resistance in a sleek 31mm profile.
Terry's Locksmiths installed the McGrath A231 on a white aluminium-framed glass commercial hinged door in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD. This view highlights both the slim lock body and the 85 Series Euro mortice strike plate supplied with the A231 - engineered for hinged door applications and suited to narrow stile commercial frames.
Installed by Terry's Locksmiths at a commercial office in Parkwood, Gold Coast QLD, this McGrath A231 in Silver features a fingerprint reader, RFID reader and touch keypad on a champagne aluminium-framed glass hinged door. Lock configuration and user management are handled via the McGrath Locks App, with an optional Wi-Fi gateway for remote access.
Detail view of the McGrath A231 mortice latch and branded strike plate installed by Terry's Locksmiths on a dark aluminium hinged commercial door in Labrador, Gold Coast QLD. The A231 is supplied with an 85 Series Euro mortice engineered for hinged doors, giving precise engagement and a secure fit across aluminium and timber door frames.
Supplied by Terry's Locksmiths and self-installed by the customer on a silver aluminium-framed glass hinged door in Hawthorn, VIC. The 5-in-1 access of the McGrath A231 - fingerprint reader, PIN keypad, RFID card, Bluetooth eKey and key override - makes it a versatile upgrade for residential hinged entry doors, all managed through the McGrath Locks App.
Most of these doors are aluminium-framed glass commercial entries - the A231 was built for exactly that stile. Considering the same for your shop or office? Book a free site survey or read when DIY is appropriate.
McGrath A231 Slimline Smart Lock - Dimensions
All dimensions in millimetres, from McGrath's technical documentation. The lock body is 316mm high and 31mm wide in both handle configurations; the case depth is 20.7mm (lever) or 21.7mm (hexagonal knob) on the outside module and 19.7mm inside. Door thickness range 28-55mm. Before ordering, check stile width, backset and door thickness.
Lever handle configuration - 316mm x 31mm body, 20.7mm outside and 19.7mm inside module depth, 124.5mm lever, 63mm and 43mm interior projections, 85mm centres between keypad column and cylinder.
Hexagonal knob configuration - 316mm x 31mm body, 21.7mm outside and 19.7mm inside module depth, 45mm knob, 37.4mm and 16.4mm projections, 85mm centres.
85 Series mortice options - swing bodies 2885, 3585, 4585, 5085 and 6085 (28 to 60mm backsets) and the 2885 and 3585 double-hook bodies for the sliding-door A231. The hinged listing ships with the 2885 swing body.
Euro 85 Series swing mortice bodies ML-SP-M-28/85 to 70/85 - 240 x 22 x 3mm faceplate, 175 x 18mm case, 85mm centres; overall widths 43, 45, 51.5, 61.5, 66.5, 76.5 and 86.5mm. Every body is in the mortice locks for smart locks category; the full sheet is the Euro 85 Series specification (PDF). If your prep does not match, what happens when the backset is wrong.
McGrath A231 Slimline Smart Lock - Datasheet Pages
These five pages are McGrath's 2022 A231 datasheet. The photographs, dimension drawings (page 3) and mortice options (page 4) are current; the specification tables on pages 2 and 5 are the earlier generation and are superseded by the figures on this page and in the current 2025 Technical Specifications (PDF).
Page 1 - cover: five unlocking ways, Black lever and Silver hexagonal-knob renders
Page 2 - description and specification bullets (2022 edition - the current figures are in the Specifications table)
Page 3 - lock dimensions, lever and hexagonal-knob configurations
Page 4 - McGrath 85 Series mortice options including the double-hook sliding bodies
Page 5 - system specification table and app overview (2022 edition - superseded figures; see the Specifications table and the current datasheet PDF)
PDF Files - McGrath A231 (STK MLA231)
A231 Technical Specifications (PDF)
Current two-page McGrath datasheet (2025): hardware, enrolment, lock functions, capacities, power, operating environment and warranty. The source for the specification table on this page.
Current two-page McGrath datasheet (2025): hardware, enrolment, lock functions, capacities, power, operating environment and warranty. The source for the specification table on this page.
A231 Datasheet - Dimensions and Mortice Options (earlier edition) (PDF)
Five-page 2022 datasheet - the pages shown in the Brochure tab. Keep it for the page 3 dimension drawings and page 4 mortice options; its specification tables are superseded by the 2025 sheet.
Five-page 2022 datasheet - the pages shown in the Brochure tab. Keep it for the page 3 dimension drawings and page 4 mortice options; its specification tables are superseded by the 2025 sheet.
A231 Product Brochure (PDF)
One-page overview: swing and sliding door positioning, four colour and handle combinations, annotated lock diagram and access methods.
One-page overview: swing and sliding door positioning, four colour and handle combinations, annotated lock diagram and access methods.
Euro 85 Series Mortice Lock - Specifications (PDF)
Specification and dimension sheet for the 85 Series swing mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets) that suit the A210, A231, A236 and NX5 - construction, cycle rating, BHMA grading, faceplate, case and overall widths.
Specification and dimension sheet for the 85 Series swing mortice bodies (28 to 70mm backsets) that suit the A210, A231, A236 and NX5 - construction, cycle rating, BHMA grading, faceplate, case and overall widths.
TT Lock App User Manual (PDF)
The 56-page platform manual behind the McGrath Locks App - registration, adding a lock, eKeys, passcodes, cards, fingerprints, gateways and settings. Read with the TTLock Platform Guide and TTLock tips and tricks.
The 56-page platform manual behind the McGrath Locks App - registration, adding a lock, eKeys, passcodes, cards, fingerprints, gateways and settings. Read with the TTLock Platform Guide and TTLock tips and tricks.
McGrath Locks Warranty
Warranty Summary
How to Make a Claim
For full returns and warranty claim procedures, visit our Returns & Warranty page - this is kept up to date and is the authoritative reference for current claim steps.
- Contact Terry's Tradies Pty Ltd and its associated websites, trading names, and subsidiaries (the place of purchase) within the applicable warranty period.
- Supply your proof of original purchase - a receipt or tax invoice is required.
- Provide a clear description of the fault and your contact details.
- You may be asked to return the product for assessment before a remedy is determined.
- McGrath Locks will, at their discretion, repair the product, replace it with the same or an equivalent model, or provide a refund of the purchase price.
Exclusions
This warranty does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear
- Products that have been disassembled
- Damage caused by improper handling, incorrect installation, misuse, abuse, neglect, modification, or accident
- Installation by unlicensed persons (including non-licensed locksmiths or technicians)
- Products not used in accordance with the supplied instructions
- Cosmetic damage that does not affect functionality
- Labour or installation costs related to the removal or reinstallation of products
- Exposure to conditions outside normal environmental use
- Work completed before warranty approval
- Damage caused by battery leakage, battery failure, or force majeure
Australian Consumer Law
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. This warranty is provided in addition to your rights and remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
1 Review Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Difficult to install
Seems ok but very difficult to install, instructions are not clear on which bolts goes where and the bottom bolt to lock the unit together with the door frame actually clashes with the lock mechanism. The lock itself if basically a generic Chinese made version that has been rebadged as McGrath. I have seen similar locks on Amazon for $100 cheaper.
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